Canterbury prides itself as one of the most accessible regions in New Zealand. Home to the second largest city in the country, Christchurch, the region has everything you need for an authentic Kiwi experience.

Christchurch is the gateway to the Canterbury region and the spectacular experiences you will have within the South Island of New Zealand. Explore the range of activities and attractions we have on offer.

The hotel, formerly the All Seasons, closed after the February 2011 earthquakes, was a highly successful concept and the largest hotel in the South Island. Due to its prime central city location and contemporary urban design, the property quickly established itself as one of Christchurch’s leading hotels, on the strength of robust demand from business, leisure and group sources.

The property was originally constructed in 1987 as a commercial office building and two decades later was retrofitted to become Hotel So – New Zealand’s first blend of traditional and pod style accommodation designed for the discerning modern day traveller with a budget in mind.

An extensive refurbishment and redesign of the hotel includes an expanded ground floor café/restaurant and the inclusion of a number of high quality traditional hotel rooms located on the top floor executive level.

“Christchurch is fast returning to the vibrant tourism and business precinct for which it has been known. We are pleased to have a significant presence in the city’s resurgence by filling a gap in the accommodation market with the 263 room BreakFree on Cashel; the largest 3-4 star hotel in Christchurch,”

CEO Mantra Group CEO Bob East

Russell Property Group Managing Director Brett Russell said it was pleasing to be part of the Christchurch resurgence, “A total investment of over $30m was committed to the project, which also sees the hotel reach a Grade A seismic rating, incorporates a new exterior façade and provides an active and expanded ground floor opening onto Cashel Street. This will undoubtedly revive what arguably the City’s most popular hotel by offering modern and vibrant, yet a highly affordable accommodation for the tech-savvy business and leisure traveller.

Christchurch & Canterbury CEO Tim Hunter said that with the city centre revival ramping visitors are returning to see the new inner city take shape, “With the $40 billion rebuild gathering momentum and 90% of the pre-earthquake tourism activities back in operation the city is being enjoyed by many more visitors. More than 35 new restaurants, bars and cafes have opened in the inner city in the past six months, fantastic new architecture is emerging and Christchurch is again becoming a focal point for tourism in the South Island.”

BreakFree on Cashel is strategically and centrally located on Cashel Street to capture a large and diverse range of corporate and leisure business. The hotel is in close proximity to the revitalised Cashel Mall and in the vicinity of many new and exciting projects currently underway; the Justice Precinct; the Central Bus Interchange; the new sports stadium and the Convention Centre.

CEO Mantra Group CEO Bob East noted the importance of the development both to the city of Christchurch and to Mantra Group’s New Zealand network, “Christchurch is fast returning to the vibrant tourism and business precinct for which it has been known. We are pleased to have a significant presence in the city’s resurgence by filling a gap in the accommodation market with the 263 room BreakFree on Cashel; the largest 3-4 star hotel in Christchurch,” he said.

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Julia Hunt

International Trade Marketing Manager

Where's Julia? In Sau Paulo attending the inaugural Kiwilink Brazil and Argentina trade show organised by Tourism New Zealand, showcasing our region to the emerging South America market. Over the course of a week, over 80 meetings were held with Product Managers from across both countries, and over 260 Frontline agents were educated on what to see and do in the city and the region.